Damen Green Line
Rendering by Perkins & Will
Installer: Christopher Glass & Aluminum
Completed · 2024
Multiple VS1 glass curtain wall scopes
FROM THE ARCHITECT PERKINS & WILL
Today, the transit hub is open. Designed with safety in mind, patrons can see clearly within the building and to and from the street. Additionally, a vibrant mural by a community artist, as well as bike and bus lanes, finally connect the long-neglected community to art and mobility options.
CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said ‘This new state-of-the art, multi-modal station features a modern, light-filled design. The station’s location will allow users to seamlessly connect with CTA buses or to use bike share or walk to nearby destinations.’ ❞
This recently completed Perkins & Will-designed station in Chicago features multiple VS1 scopes, all of which support laminated glass units. Key design goals were facilitating ease-of-use through transparency while also incorporating an open-air approach in certain areas of the building.
The main scope implements a standard VS1 application with a direct glaze via SSG. Given the varying wall heights, the rectangular mullion depth ranged from 10” to 12.75” for cost-effectiveness. Continuous cover caps were implemented on the exterior vertical glass joints per design intent.
Additionally, five other elevations were designed as classic (drilled) point-supported glass curtain walls utilizing Sadev 180 degree two-arm spider fittings in both vertical and horizontal configurations. Custom standoffs were designed with slip-critical connections between the spider arms to allow for a more streamlined installation process. One of the five elevations was installed in an open-air, shingle-like arrangement to act as a wind break while also allowing ventilation and fresh air intake. The laminated glass panels are installed at an approximate angle of 10 degrees, with each panel overlapping the previous by 8” as the wall increases in elevation.
Also present on the job were two applications at the connector bridge with overhead glazing. The walls are channel-set glass with sealed joints, while the roof is an exterior custom tube aluminum mullion configuration with a continuous architectural pressure bar on the inside.
Finally, the canopies on the building use a point-supported hook system, supplied by SADEV, that is mounted on the building structure and holds drilled glass panels.
The wide variation in scope types across a single project speaks to the versatility of systems and services provided by Innovation Glass.
